Scootaloo's glanced from Steelhoof to StarStep. “Star, what do you mean? He wants Luna's feather as payment?”

The blue-grey pegasus nodded lightly, one hoof caressing the deep blue feather against his chest. He frowned across the room at the smug earth stallion. “Yeah, he asked for it before. When I was trying to help Sweetie Belle. But...I couldn't. We'll help Sweetie get through her troubles our own way but this...I don't think I have a choice Scoots.” He looked down at his mare-friend, a tightness in his throat. “Ponies are in real danger. Apple Bloom's life depends on it. I...I think Luna would understand.”

Her glare at the silver stallion could melt rock. “How do we know you're not making this up? Or that you really know where this foal-napper is? Why Luna's feather? I have money, so does Star. I'm certain we can pay.”

Steelhoof laughed, setting aside another hat. “Miss Scootaloo, if I sold false information, I would not be alive today. Some of those I have dealt with are in positions of great power.” He paused, his business smile never touching his calculating bronze eyes. “If it soothes you, know that I will return the feather should the information prove false. As for coin, I have no desire for such. What I will tell you carries great risk, and so I wish fair reward. The fact of the matter is, I am a great fan of Princess Luna's work. I admire all she's done for the kingdom since her return. My family has always worked under the cover of her evening skies, for many thousands of years. Needless to say, for many generations, we missed our Princess of the night as she remained banished on the moon.”

A quiet pause settled on the room. Star looking down at the floor, one hoof stroking the feather, as Scootaloo nuzzled into his coat. Then, reluctantly, StarStep pulled at the chain around his neck. A gentle hoof on his halted the removal.

“No...Star...let me.” Scootaloo's soft plea in his ear broke him from his thoughts. His questioning eyes met with hers, seeking understanding. “I'm...sure Luna will understand but...” She took a deep breath. “But if she doesn't, I don't want you to suffer for it. I'm just beginning to love her as you do. But you Star...you've loved her since you were little. Your whole life has revolved around being that special some-pony to Luna and I wont let you lose that.” She caressed his cheek.

“Scoots, no. This is my duty.” He gave her a weak smile. “It's just a feather, I mean, to save a bunch ponies I don't think Luna will hate me.”

Shaking her head, the filly began to pull her own necklace up. “If it's nothing, let me do it. Apple Bloom is my best friend too.” Not waiting for his response, she pulled the chain free of her mane and dangled the pair of feathers towards Steelhoof. “Here, one of Luna's feathers. Now, where's Apple Bloom and the other missing mares?”

The large pony grinned, ear to ear, a flash of triumph in his eyes as he swept the chain from her hoof. “Done.” He ran the feather along his cheek and shuddered. “Glorious.”

Star stomped a fore-hoof, “Alright, you got what you wanted. Where are the ponies?” He could feel his mare-friend slip from his side. Then there was a light thud, drawing his attention. Confused, Star glanced down to find Scootaloo curled up on the floor, her face buried in her fore-hooves, shaking. Then there was soft sobbing, which grew into gut-wrenching cries of despair. He pulled her into his hooves and stroked her mane, trying to comfort the suddenly distraught filly. His eyes narrowed at Steelhoof. “What the buck did you do to her?”

Smirking, the earth stallion reached into one of the top-hats, pulling out a rolled parchment. He tossed it at Star's hooves. “A map marking the location to the foal-napper's hideout. I highly suggest you bring help. I also recommend you recruit Professor Twilight Sparkle for this venture.” He trotted around the pair of ponies, pausing as he opened the door. “A pleasure doing business. I wish you good luck in saving all those ponies and I suggest you make haste. Till next time, Mister StarStep.” He slipped out, the door falling close with a gentle click.

_______________________________________________________________________

Cheerilee lifted her head, her ears swiveling. She and Twilight were cuddled up on the couch for an post-dinner nap. Another frantic rapping on her door caught her attention. With a sigh, she pushed Twilight off the couch and giggled as the unicorn squeaked in surprise. “Sorry dear, but somepony's knocking.” The fuchsia mare slid off the couch, careful to step around her dazed lover on the way to the front door. Swinging it wide she blinked in surprise. StarStep was supporting a weeping Scootaloo, a parchment in his teeth. Carefully he set the scroll aside and gave her a soft smile. “Hey Cheerilee. I need your help.” His eyes followed Twilight as the unicorn slid up beside the school-mare. “And you too Twilight.”

Together, the three of them managed to drag Scootaloo to the couch. She was still sobbing, eyes red and puffy, her breath in ragged gasps. Cheerilee stroked her cheek and attempted in vain to comfort the filly as Twilight confronted Star.

“What's going on Star? Why is she such a wreck?”

“I'm...not sure exactly. We...had to make a deal to get the information on where the missing mares are. It's also why I need your help.” The puzzled expression on the unicorn's face cause the colt to sigh. He retrieved the map and rolled it out, pointing at the marked area. “A pony had the location of the foal-napper that's been plaguing Ponyville. But he'd only do it for one of Luna's feathers. Scootaloo insisted it'd be her's. To protect me. And after the deal was done, well...she broke down and started crying.” He glanced in concern at his mare-friend, catching Cheerilee's look of pity.

Twilight frowned as her eyes flicked from the map to the couch. “I guess Luna's feathers had an emotional bond enchantment or something. When Scootaloo gave it up...well...the whiplash of the broken feed probably hit her hard.” Her eyes narrowed at Star. “How do you know this map is good? Why come to me, shouldn't you go to the Ponyville police?”

“They'd ask too many questions, Twilight. This is...a little under the table. Look, Apple Bloom is in trouble, as well as all those other mares that went missing. Will you help me or not?”

She hesitated, looking at Cheerilee. The school-mare nodded with a smile, one hoof stroking Scootaloo's mane. “Go on dear. I'll take care of her.”

“All...Alright, Star. Should we bring more help?”

Nodding, the colt rolled up the scroll and tossed it to the unicorn. He trotted around the couch to kiss Scootaloo's forehead. “I love you, Scoots. I'll be back.” He smiled to Cheerilee, hugging her tight. “Love you too, Cheerilee. Sorry to spring this on you. Please, help Scoots.”

The school-mare nodded, giving him a peck on the cheek. “Love you too, dear. I'll look out for her. You go save those ponies.” She glanced at her mare-friend, “And keep her out of trouble.”

Star chuckled, “That's asking for a miracle.”

_______________________________________________________________________

Twilight held the scroll out in front of her, unfurled with her magic as Lighthoof and StarStep trotted at her sides. They were far afield of Ponyville, among the patches of forest and wind-blown fields of grass. The moon was full and bright overhead, the stars dancing brilliantly in the country sky. The purple unicorn gave a sigh, “It's secluded enough. Do you have any idea what it is we're looking for? And why did you need me? I'm sure you two can read maps.”

Star nodded, his eyes scanning the area, his guard partner was doing the same. “Not sure what we're looking for, but I expect we'll know soon. The pony who gave me the map said that we'd need your help. Didn't say why, but I figure it can't hurt to have Princess Celestia's protege to help us out. We are dealing with a unicorn foal-napper after all.”

Twilight giggled at the protege comment. “True. And I want to help these ponies as much as you do. I can't believe there's a pony who would do such a horrible thing.” The three of them rounded a patch of woods. “Princess Celestia should send them to the...OH.” She halted suddenly. The two colts paused a few steps further.

Lighthoof looked about as Star trotted back, “What's up, Twilight?”

She shushed him before carefully stepping through the grass. With a shrug, the two colts followed her to a slight mound of dirt, partially hidden by the shadows of the tall grass. She gestured to the mound then pointed around the field. Star glanced at the places she marked, his eyes searching for something out of place. Then he began to notice that each spot had a small mound of dirt. Leaning close he whispered, “What is this?”

“Diamond Dog holes.” She unfurled the map, checking the location to the landmarks on the horizon. “This is it. This is where the mares are.”

The guard ponies shared a knowing glance. Part of their training was on the various creatures in and around Equestria. They knew the basics of Diamond Dogs. Greedy, lazy, and only brave in superior numbers. He frowned, “I know Diamond Dogs have been known to foal-nap the stray pony or two. But we're WAY outside of Ponyville and they're too lazy to go all that way and back again with struggling ponies.”

Twilight used her magic to clear the entrance to the hole at their hooves. “You said it was a unicorn foal-napper. Maybe this is just a hide-out? I have to admit, it's not a place I'd go looking for a whole bunch of missing mares.”

Lighthoof placed a hoof on his friend's shoulder, “Yo, dude. Sure we should go down there? Just us three? The earth isn't really a place for us.” He fluttered his wing. “I...I'm not great in tight places, Star. The castle is one thing, but this...” He glanced at the blackness of the hole's depths. “I'm not scared, but...”

His friend nodded, “I get it. We're just going to scout. Take a look, see if it something we can handle. And...and to make sure Apple Bloom is ok. I'm a little worried about going down there too, but there are ponies depending on us. So buck the dark and the earth. We're Night-guards. We're the ones other ponies look to for help and protection. Right?”

The colts shared a look, then embraced with back-patting. “Yeah, dude. Just uh, kick me in the flank if I try to wuss out. I'm gonna do my best.”

Twilight was watching them, head tilted with an amused smile on her face. “You colts done?” They nodded. “Alright, I'll use an invisibility spell on us down there, just keep close and try not to make a lot of noise. I don't know if there are still Diamond Dogs, but if there are, we have to be careful. Rarity was lucky last time we ran into some. That pack was pretty stupid. But not all are.” She took a deep breath. “Let's find those mares.” Her horn began to glow, giving off a gentle white light as she stepped to the edge of the hole. She glanced at them, making sure they were ready and dropped in, flank first. Star could see her light begin to fade away as she slid down the tunnel. He threw himself into the hole and could soon hear Lighthoof sliding above him.

In the near pitch black, it was difficult to fathom how deep they descended. Only glimpses of Twilight's horn light reassured him he was not lost in the inky depths of the world. Eventually the tunnel leveled out and he slid to a stop at Twilight's hooves. The rattle of stones clattering down the tunnel caused him to roll out of the way just as Lighthoof tumbled into his vacated spot.

“Uhhh...” The tan pegasus groaned, rolling his head about to shake off the daze. Twilight was peering around in the darkness with her horn-light as Star helped his partner to his feet. Tail drooping low, Light glanced about at the pitch black, a slight bit of fear in his eyes.

“Hey, Light, you ok?” He patted his friend on the shoulder. “Just think of it as a moon-less night.”

“Y-y-yeah, dude. It's not the darkness, it's the earth. It feels like it's pushing down on us.” He took a couple deep breaths. “Rooms and bars, and tight hallways, nothing else is like this. Sorry, Star, it just has me a bit rattled.”

Star patted him on the shoulder, “Hey, we're pretty much brothers now, right?” The other colt nodded. “I got my brother's back. You and me, we can do this. For Apple Bloom and all the other ponies. Think of how happy Princess Celestia and Luna will be that we rescued them. Think of their families.”

Light pressed his lips tight together and gave a determined nod. “I got your back, Bro.”

Bunched together in Twilight's horn light, the three wandered down the widened tunnel. They could see the edges of the walls, but only glimpses of stalactite from the roof hidden in the darkness. Like stone teeth jutting down from some creature's mouth. After a while, they noticed a soft flickering glow from a turn in the tunnel ahead. As they reached the edges light's shadows, Twilight let her light falter, and the three of them peeked around the corner. The light source was a burning torch, mounted in a crude iron sconce.

Twilight turned to the colts, “Well, looks like someone's home. Guess it's time for some magic. Now, you have to stick close. The invisibility field doesn't extend very far and it doesn't block sound. So try not to stumble on rocks.” She frowned, “My teleporting is a lot better now. I could get the three of us out, but no more.”

Light nodded, “So it may come down to us leaving the mares behind to get more help. Well...let's make sure they're down here before we worry about that.”

The unicorn's horn blinded them for a moment, a purple field settling around the three of them before all of it vanished from outside view. Star blinked and looked at Twilight in confusion. “We're not invisible.”

“We are to ponies looking at us. It's a field to refract light. Just stick very close.” She took the lead, Star and Light tight to her sides as they wandered down the tunnel. The further they went, the more torches that appeared in the crude sconces. Over the gentle clips of their hooves on the stone floor, they could hear sharp tinking of metal on stone. As they continued, the sound increased and multiplied until it was a symphony of metal tapping on stone, grunts of effort, snaps of whips, and creaking of wooden axles. At last the tunnel opened up on the very top level of a quarry-like operation. Below them, Earth ponies of various ages chipped at the rock walls of the pit with picks strapped to their fore-leg. The older fillies and young mares were hauling carts of ore and gems up and down spiraling tracks from the bottom to the top and out an opposing tunnel from the trio. Even young fillies, nearly foals were forced to work. Struggling to put the loose stones into the waiting carts.

A few things caught Star's attention. The first was that the ones cracking the whips over the heads of the workers were Diamond Dogs. The second was there were bridles and bits on every single pony. Even the littlest. The third made him curse under his breath. But his partner and Twilight did not hear. They were still trying to process the scene of such slavery. He ground his teeth as he counted the ponies below. So much for eight. There were at least thirty here and who knew how many more elsewhere in the tunnels. He tugged lightly at Twilight's mane, breaking her eyes from the scene of forced labor. The three of them retreated into their tunnel.

Light was grinding his teeth and flexing his wings. Star could see the fire in his eyes. “Mother bucking, bucking tartarus!” Lighthoof hissed. “That's a lot of ponies trapped down here.”

Twilight was stunned, “How could so many go missing? And the foals? They're so young. It's one thing for a pony to go missing but there were at least seven little fillies and colts. If the Princess knew, she'd tear Equestria apart.”

Star glanced over his shoulder at the pit's lip. “All the older ponies are mares. But the foals are a mix. Maybe some of the foal-napped were pregnant?”

The unicorn shivered, “That's horrible, Star!”

Across from him, Lighthoof nodded. “You might be right, dude. This is...this is beyond us. They all look exhausted and broken. Even the little guys. I didn't see all that many guards but I don't think we can count on the ponies to help much in their condition.”

“Well, no Apple Bloom. Lets scout some more, see if we can get some answers further in.” The other two agreed.

Carefully, they made their way around the top level of the quarry pit to the opposite side, following the cart-rails as they wound their way through the earth. Dozing or otherwise bored Diamond Dogs were posted at random locations. One or two would crack a whip at a faltering cart-pony that would pass them heading back to the digging pits. The sound and the flinch of pain on the pony's face turned Star's gut in knots. He prayed that Lighthoof would be able to contain his rage for a bit longer.

Though there were tunnels that ran off at various junctions, the rails kept true to the main tunnel, eventually leading them to a massive cavern. They gasped at the sight of a small fortress covered in gemstones. It was both the most gaudy and impressive thing Star had ever seen. About half the size of Canterlot Castle, every inch of the structure was covered by a rainbow of hues of various sized gems. A massive rip in the earth separated them from the building, spanned by a simple bridge of stone and wood planks, wide enough for two tracks of rails. They paused to allow a pony hauling a cart to pass over the bridge before they trotted on. The heat that radiated from it's depths caused Star to glance down and gasp. Far, far below, a rolling river of magma lit the sides of the gorge and kept the cavern warm. A part of him wondered if any of the captives had leapt to their deaths to avoid the slavery. He shook off the terrible thought as the three of them trotted to the cart-entrance of the gem-stone fortress.

Two alert Diamond Dogs guarded the opening. Spears tucked in the crooks of their arms. Unlike the rest, these two seemed to care about their jobs. Eyes flicking about the semi-lit cavern. One of them looked right at the trio, ears swiveled in their direction with a confused look on it's face. The group halted, a shared look of concern. Lighthoof glanced behind them and pointed to a slowly approaching cart, filled with stone and gems. Understanding lit the other two's eyes so they waited patiently for the squeaking, noisy cart to reach them. Then they slipped up behind it and followed so their hoof-steps were masked by all the racket.

Inside, the hallway was lit by braziers of burnished steel, the flickering light reflecting brilliantly across the gem-covered walls. Deeper into the fortress they went until the cart-rail swung wide and began to circle back on itself. The cart-pony halted at the apex of the curve. Another mare approached and bucked the cart over on it's side, dumping it's contents over into a hole. Then the bucking mare pulled a strap to set the cart upright and the hauler began her march back to the digging pits. The trio of would-be rescuers peaked over the hole edge, but it was just darkness below. With the trail at a dead-end, they picked a hall-way leading into the rest of the fortress and wandered. Even here, the walls were coated in gemstones. Carefully, they made their way around patrolling guards and a pony or two, gluing the gems into vacant spots along the wall surfaces. A small bucket of gems and a pail of liquid adhesive sitting beside each worker. The smell of which threatened to cause Star to retch.

At some point in their exploration, they came upon a hallway lined with many iron doors. The keyholes and lack of normal handles suggested cell doors. With a cautionary glance around, Star lifted his fore-hooves up to the sliding viewing window and pushed it open to peer inside. This one was empty. They moved down one side of the hall then the other, checking each cell but there were no ponies inside. So the trio moved down to the next hallway, discovering yet another line of cell doors.

“Must be where they house the worker ponies.” Light whispered. He nervously glanced around. “Just how many do they have here?”

“Donno, Light.” Star answered, sliding open the next view port. He gasped. Inside, it was lit by a single flickering candle, but the unmistakeable hue of the yellow coat and red mane caught his breath. “Twilight, can you unlock this? I think it's Apple Bloom.” The colt stepped back as the unicorn wasted no time, tapping her horn to the lock-housing with a flick of magic flashing in the dim hallway. There was a soft click and the three rushed inside. Lighthoof remained by the door, ear pressed against it while Star and Twilight approached the pony inside.

It was Apple Bloom alright. But she was blindfolded, bridled with a bit between her teeth. Restraints around her ankles were chained to the floor, but she stood, ears swiveling at their approach. Her breath quickened and her chest heaved as she fought against the chains around her limbs. Unintelligible mumbling rumbled around her bit.

“Shhh, shhh, Apple Bloom. It's StarStep. Relax.” She settled enough for him to pull the blindfold up and pull the bit from her muzzle.

The mare worked her jaw a little before jerking against the chains and groaning. “Oh, Star. Hug me yah foal since I can't.” He happily did so, letting her nuzzle into his mane.

“Can you tell me what's going on here?”

The mare frowned. “They've done kept me blindfolded tha whole time. I couldn't rightly tell yah where here is.” She glanced around the dim room. “All I remember, was waking up to somepony pulling me out tha window of the farmhouse and then I got hog-tied and shut in the dark. It's all just ah haze after that, Star.” She smirked, giving her head a shake to jangled her bridle. “Yah know, if this was a different situation, I might reckon I'd be a little turned on by all this.”

Star returned her smirk. “Always the tough one, AB.” He gave a sigh. “We have a problem though. We're down in Diamond Dog tunnels. And there's a lot of them. A lot of ponies too.” He frowned. “Twilight, are you sure you can't get us four out?”

The unicorn shook her head. “Sorry, Star. Three is my max. I'm already winded from holding the invisibility on us.”

Apple Bloom smiled sadly, “Then you three should get out and go get help. They haven't hurt me yet. And if you said there are other ponies here, I think I'll be ok till you get back.”

“But...AB. I'll stay, let you get out of here. I can find somewhere to hide.”

“No, Star. Whoever brought me here would know tha jig was up if I done up and vanished. I'll stay here, let them think everything is right in tha world. Till you fellas bring more help. I'll be just fine, Star. Hey, maybe I'll let you truss me up in this get-up sometime.” She winked and opened her mouth.

With a defeated sigh, he slipped the bit back in her muzzle and pulled the blindfold back over her eyes. Warmly, he embraced her, whispering in her ear. “We'll get back as fast as we can. Be strong, AB. But don't be all stubborn with whoever this is.”

Twilight nuzzled the mare, whispering in her ear as well before patting Star's shoulder. “Before we leave, I want to know a little bit more. Come on colts.” Lighthoof cracked open the door, looking around both sides before the three of them slipped out. Twilight relocked the door before casting the invisibility field over them.

Deeper into the fortress they wandered. Creeping through the shadows cast by the braziers. Whenever Diamond Dog guards approached, they would halt and hold their breaths. The earth pressing down on them was starting to mess with even Star's bravery. Eventually, they found their way to a massive iron double door. Murmurs of voices could be heard within. Pressing their ears to the crack between the doors, they could just make out the conversation.

“Trixie did her part. You promised Trixie you would let Sly go if Trixie did what you asked above ground. Are you going against your word?” A mare shouted.

A deeper voice chuckled. “Of course not, Trixie. Sly is free to go. But he wont leave his mother and I'm not so heartless as to rip a family apart.” There was a pause and a shuffle of hooves on stone. “Trixie, don't you see, you're queen to the Diamond Dogs here. They look up to you and your magic tricks. They love how you can find gems for them. You find, the earth ponies dig and you all get to live. I'd say that's a pretty good arrangement.”

“It is not! You foal-nap earth mares, force them to dig and haul and sort, then you rape them when they go into heat. You disgusting, vile creature. Trixie despises you.” They heard the pony spit. Then a slap moments later.

“I've been too soft on you. I thought you of all ponies would understand the pleasure of power and wealth. You could have an army of Diamond Dogs at your command. To be their pack leader. You are great and powerful, Trixie. But you don't have the stomach to rule. I suppose, I'll have to keep looking for my queen.” There was a pause. “You two, take Trixie to the depths for gem polishing. Make sure her little foal goes with her. Mustn't break up the family.”

The high pitched growly voice of a Diamond Dog answered. “Yes, oh great leader pony. We take her down. She polish. Yes.” There was screaming from Trixie, shouting mercy for Sly till if faded away.

The trio of ponies eavesdropping exchanged glances. Light's nostrils were flaring, Twilight's eyes were moist as she struggled to contain tears and Star paced. “I guess that explains all the foals we saw in the mining pit.”

Light reached out for the door handle. “Let's go get this mother-bucker.” He tugged on the door but found it locked.

Twilight knocked aside his hoof, “No. We don't know how many guards are in there. And just charging in might hurt all the ponies they have captive. We can't do this with just the three of us.” She poked a hoof at Star's bandaged wings. “Specially since one of our pegasi are injured.”

Taking a deep breath the tan pegasus nodded. “You're right, Twilight. Sorry. Who do we get? This is way past Ponyville PD.” He pondered a bit. “Princesses are way out of town. I mean, we could wait for them...but...dude, you saw how dead on their hooves some of the ponies were. I...didn't want to say anything, but I saw one of the mares from the pictures.”

“Huh, which?” Star's ears perked.

“Roseluck. She uh...her coat, her mane. It's like the color is leaching from it. I only recognized her from the cutie-mark. In fact, most of the ponies out there seem...faded. It's like being down here is killing them from the inside. We don't know how long the Princesses will be.”

StarStep nodded. “Yeah, Princess Luna did say it was a serious matter with the gryphon border. Potential for war if things got out of hoof. So, who do we get?”

Lighthoof exhaled, “I think we're going to have to get the other guards.”

His partner grimaced. “I really don't want Shining involved. There will be a lot of questions and some of those I really don't want to answer right now. I'm still not sure how Steelhoof fits into all this.”

“The information broker?” The other pony nodded in reply. “I don't blame you, dude. Going through the proper channels with Shining is gonna cost us time. A few days at least. He likes things by the book.” The pegasus tap a hoof to his chin in thought. “Well...it's risky but...I don't see any other quick option.”

His partner nodded. Twilight was glancing back and forth at them, confused. “What are you two talking about? I'm sure my brother will come help.”

“Yeah, after he fills the paperwork, forms the ranks, sets up a chain of command.” Light chuckled. “No offense Twilight, but your brother's not suited for quick, quiet actions. He's like Princess Celestia. Bold, bright, noble. Your brother is an awesome Sun-Guard, but this requires a little something different. Let's hope it's easier to ask forgiveness than to ask permission.” He held out a hoof to StarStep. “So how about it, Bro. You on board?”

“I trust your judgment, Light. You know I'll do anything to help Luna's ponies.” He bumped hooves with the other pegasus.

“Twilight.” Lighthoof began. “Can you teleport us out? Star and I have to get to Canterlot quick. We have a lot of work to do and not a lot of time.”